Page 3392 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 11 October 1994
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National Museum of Australia
MR BERRY: My question is to the Chief Minister. Noting the Government's commitment to the National Museum of Australia, could the Chief Minister advise the house of the Government's intention to maintain the offer to fund the infrastructure work for the National Museum of Australia?
MS FOLLETT: I thank Mr Berry for the question. I am sure that members would have been concerned, as I was, at the press report this morning that seemed to indicate that the Aboriginal collection of the National Museum of Australia was about to be broken up and sent interstate. I can advise that the best advice that I have been able to obtain is that that report was not accurate; and that is something of a relief. On the broader question of the National Museum - - -
Mr Kaine: On a point of order, Madam Speaker: The Chief Minister, in what she said, so far has clearly indicated that the subject matter of this question is beyond her knowledge. It is not within her area of responsibility, and I ask you to rule on whether she should be attempting to answer a question that is outside her jurisdiction.
MADAM SPEAKER: Order! The Chief Minister is clearly coming to the substance of her answer. What she said was by way of preamble, which is entirely in order.
MS FOLLETT: Thank you, Madam Speaker. That point of order by Mr Kaine does not surprise me in the least, coming as it does from a member whose Federal colleagues had undertaken to turn the ACT into a ghost town. That is their agenda for Canberra - turn it into a ghost town.
Madam Speaker, as the Government, we have been very strong and very enthusiastic supporters of the National Museum of Australia; and we remain so. Members will know that I gave a commitment to fund the infrastructure for the National Museum. That commitment was substantial. In fact, it would have involved up to about $13m spread over some years. It is not a commitment that was given lightly. Nevertheless, in order for us to deliver on that commitment, we do need the Federal Government to deliver on the National Museum. The National Museum, as a national institution, is quite rightly in the province of the Federal Government.
Madam Speaker, it is my view - and I believe that it is a view that would be shared by the majority of Australians - that the national cultural institutions belong in the national capital; and the National Museum is no exception to that. Until we actually see what is in the Commonwealth's cultural statement, I cannot comment on the future of the museum. There is no doubt whatever that the commitment that has been given by my Government is genuine and does involve a substantial financial commitment towards what is a very important national project. It is a project which, naturally enough, has a great deal to offer the ACT community as well. Of course, it was with that in mind that I was able to offer support for the project. I do want to stress that it is part of the mosaic of national institutions in the national capital. I will certainly be doing everything that I can, in the time that remains before the cultural statement is delivered by the Federal Government, to ensure that the National Museum in the national capital does become a reality.
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